Transformers Masterpiece Bumblebee Updated

A while back TakaraTomy announced that the next Masterpiece Transformer would be that famous yellow Volkswagen Beetle, Bumblebee! Includes Spike with his Exo Suit! Features a storable pistol and swappable face gimmick (normal and smiling expression). If you preorder this at Amazon.co.jp, you get a toy accurate Battle Mask. Coming November 2014 for 6,000 yen.

I'm glad to see they're including something neat to make up for the (presumed) small size of MP Bumblebee. I'm no car expert, but I suspect a VW beetle is SMALL, even when compared to the sports cars Sideswipe, Prowl and Wheeljack turn into. The more realistically styled and proportioned vehicle mode is also appreciated, if only because it will blend in with the other MP cars better.

The robot-mode thighs look a little too spindly, though that could be one of those things that results from a bad camera angle or the uniform color not letting them stand out more. We'll see.

But now I wonder... when they inevitably reshell Bumblebee into Cliffjumper... does that mean we get another character in an Exosuit or just a collection of large weapons for the little red hot-head to wave around?

I don't think they could "reshell" Bumblebee into Cliffjumper since the Porsche 924 is very different proportion wise to a VW Beetle. Certainly it's interesting to see them go with the full realistic vehicle mode for minibots rather than the cute Penny Racer body the old toy had. Cliffjumper would probably be done in a similar way but they'd have to work around that larger front end.

About Bee, I have a feeling that removable face will mean he comes with his old toy's visor/shield face.

It's pretty cool that they're making the Exo-Suit, really a hard slap on CM Corps (who's going bankrupt as it is), and it does make sense to offset the price for a small bot among the Masterpiece series.

Converting him into Cliffjumper might make him a little more leaner. Since he's more of a stand alone character compared to Bumblebee, it'd be more appropriate to include a really big gun with the little red runt.

Hurray!!
I have been waiting for an MP bumblebee and Wheeljack since MP01 ...Glad to see it might actually get done!!
I have to agree Carly and some energon sticks (Energy conductors G1 Episode 1) would also be nice additions
Keep them coming Takara/Hasbro the MP line is looking Great in 2014